Sawyer silently lays the envelopes on the counter for Kate to see. The familiar logo catches her eye immediately. She sets down her coffee and picks up the one with her name on it.
The two exchange an incredulous look before both opening their respective letters. Inside each envelope is a formal written apology from the CEO of Oceanic Airlines, a gold flight pass, and a check.
Kate reads the amount twice to be sure her eyes aren't playing tricks on her, then she looks up at Sawyer. He grins, waving his own check.
"Took long enough for 'em to make amends." he remarks, but he can't hold much against the airlines. Not with the incredible amount of money he holds in his hand. "This oughta make life a little more comfortable." he chuckles. "Hell, let's go buy an island somewhere, baby."
Kate grins briefly, but the smile fades from her lips quickly. She knows the money won't make everything fine. Only the outcome of her meeting with the District Attorney can make or break her happiness right now. All she wants is to know that she can stay with her little girl, with Sawyer, with the only family that ever felt right to her.
She shifts uneasily in her seat, eye to eye with someone who can send her to prison with just one word. District Attorney Melissa Dunbrook watches her, her gaze calculating.
"What are you offering?" Kate's attorney Duncan pipes up, breaking the silence.
"Four years in." Dunbrook says firmly.
Kate glances at her lawyer. Her expression is an obvious 'No way'.
He nods at her slightly, then turns his attention back to the DA. "No. Kate Austen is a worldwide hero. She survived a plane crash, saved lives, and nearly starved to death on a deserted island. After all that, you think that a jury is going to give her actual time, then...Come on Melissa." he shakes his head, almost mocking her for suggesting it.
Melissa purses her lips. "Alright."
Kate, who has kept her eyes down and her mouth shut for most of the conversation, looks up, her gaze darting back and forth between the two of them.
The DA continues. "Time served, plus ten years probation in agreement that she does not leave the state."
Duncan looks like he's ready to argue, but Kate cuts in.
"I'll take it. Give me something to sign, and I'll sign it, and I'll walk out of here. I just want this to be over."
Dunbrook nods. "I can do that. Ten years probation, and you stay put."
Kate looks her in the eye. "I have a child. She's the most important thing to me. I'm not going anywhere."
Duncan leads her out into the hallway and pats her on the shoulder. "Congratulations Kate. I'll be in touch."
She gives him a heartfelt smile. "Thank you. So much."
James jumps up from his seat as he sees her walking toward him. Her grin says it all. He hugs her tightly with the arm that isn't supporting Mary, and ruffles her hair.
"I knew ya'd be okay." he tells her, but it's as much of a relief to him as it is to her. It would kill him to be without her.
She chuckles and tickles Mary under the chin. The now three-month-old baby babbles and tries to wrap her fingers around a chunk of her hair.
"So you're a free woman now?" James asks jovially, his arm still wrapped around her waist.
She nods. "As long as I stay in the state."
He sighs in mock contempt. "Well there goes the 'buy an island' idea. Will ya settle for a house? A big one with a big yard for Pipsqueak to run around in once she gets the hang of it." he bounces the baby a little, admiring her.
Kate kisses him on his cheek and allows him to encircle her once again. "Okay." she bites her lip and smiles, snuggling close to him and the baby, feeling like she could never be more at home than she is when she's with them.
Soo, yeah I figured I needed to resolve all that...with excessive fluff! Yayy ;P I'm thinking this is possibly the ending. Dunno. I actually want to have Cassidy and Clementine in this a little, so maybe a sequel? I feel like all the "Vindication" has taken place. Yes? No? Maybe so? Let me know lovely people, let me know. xxx -Kait
